Buying a roof hatch: What should you consider?

When buying a roof hatch for a building, there are several aspects to consider.

Not all roof hatches are the same: manufacturers make different choices when it comes to materials, insulation performance, safety and certification. To help you make the right choice, this article explains how Gorter® roof hatches differ from those of other manufacturers and the benefits they offer architects, contractors, builders and end users.

1. Roof hatch materials

For professional roof hatches, the choice of materials is extremely important. Gorter® uses lightweight, strong and corrosion-resistant materials that contribute to a long service life and reliable operation. For additional protection against weather conditions, the roof hatches are anodised and finished as standard with a robust 80-micron powder coating.

The operating and fixing components are also designed for intensive, long-term use. The combination of durable materials, a high-quality finish and robust construction contributes to the reliability of the complete roof hatch. This is why Gorter® offers a 10-year warranty.

2. Thermal insulation and prevention of condensation

A well-insulated roof hatch prevents energy loss and helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate. Gorter holds a unique position in the market when it comes to insulation, with a patented, fully thermally broken construction.

The thermal break and the seal around the lid prevent thermal bridges. Even in severe winter conditions, this helps prevent condensation and ice formation on the inside of the roof hatch. The excellent thermal performance has been officially demonstrated in accordance with EN ISO 10077-2. The RHTEP roof hatch, for example, has an insulation value of Uw ≤ 0.198 W/(m²·K). This contributes to lower energy consumption and makes the roof hatch particularly suitable for energy-efficient buildings and projects designed according to Passivhaus, BREEAM or LEED standards.

3. Proven safety and certification

Gorter® roof hatches are supplied with a European Technical Assessment (ETA). This provides clear substantiation of their performance and safety and forms the basis for the CE marking, which is recognised throughout Europe.

In addition, complete roof access combinations consisting of a roof hatch with a ladder, scissor stair or fixed staircase have been extensively tested in accordance with relevant EN standards and are TÜV NORD certified. This provides building owners and employers with safe and demonstrably tested roof access that contributes to compliance with applicable occupational health and safety requirements, including risk assessment requirements.

Gorter® also offers proven performance in the field of fire safety. The fire-resistant RHTEI roof hatch has been tested and assessed by Efectis in accordance with standards including EN 1634-1 and EN 13501-2 and provides up to 120 minutes of fire resistance.

In addition, RHT roof hatches have been assessed for harmful substances by the Sentinel Holding Institute (SHI). They are QNG Ready and suitable for use in sustainable building certification schemes such as DGNB, LEED and BREEAM.

4. Safe and easy operation

When accessing the roof, users need to feel completely safe. Gorter equips its roof hatches with a range of carefully designed safety features:

• One-handed operation: Thanks to an integrated counterbalance system and fall-back protection, the lid can always be opened and closed with minimal effort using one hand. Gorter roof hatches can also be optionally equipped with electric operation.
• Automatic locking: When open, the roof hatch locks automatically, preventing the lid from unexpectedly blowing or falling shut.
• Distinctive yellow handrail: The highly visible yellow handrail on the inside of the upstand provides a firm and secure grip when stepping onto or off the roof.

5. Fast installation and complete roof access solutions

A Gorter roof hatch is delivered fully pre-assembled. Gorter also offers complete combinations with matching access equipment, such as folding scissor stairs, ladders and fixed staircases. These access solutions integrate seamlessly with the roof hatch and are also fully certified. This significantly reduces sourcing and installation time on site. Standard sizes are available directly from stock.

Which Gorter roof hatch is right for your project?

Whether you require a standard insulated roof hatch (RHT), a glazed roof hatch (RHTG) for maximum daylight, a fire-resistant version (RHTEI) or an explosion vent (RHTX), Gorter offers a complete solution for virtually every building application.

Would you like to know which roof hatch best suits your building design or renovation project? Contact the Gorter advisors or request a no-obligation quotation directly.